Chia looks to extend season
GLENDALE — Jocelyn Chia won’t stop working.
The Crescenta Valley High freshman girls’ golfer has been hard at work practicing her long and short game. Having enjoyed a stellar season, Chia doesn’t want it to end.
Chia will participate in the CIF Individual Final and Women’s Southern California Golf Assn. Qualifying Tournament, which will be held at 8 a.m. today at La Purisima Golf Course in Lompoc.
Chia was one of 45 golfers from the CIF Southern Section Northern Individual Regional to advance to the tournament after she carded a 10-over-par 81 at Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo on Nov. 1.
“I need to work a little bit on everything,” said Chia, who finished third at the Pacific League’s individual final Oct. 21 at Jurupa Hills Country Club in Riverside County and tied for 23rd at the northern regional. “I’m going to go in there thinking that things will continue to work out for me.”
The top six from today’s round will advance to the WSCGA Foundation Tournament, which will take place at 8 a.m. Wednesday at The Golf Club at Rancho California in Murrieta. The state championship will take place Nov. 16 at Red Hill Country Club in Rancho Cucamonga.
Crescenta Valley first-year Coach Lee Pope said Chia is familiar with the course after recently playing three practice rounds.
Course recognition might be a big factor should Chia, who won or shared medalist accolades in seven league matches and is one of five participants from the Pacific League to qualify for today’s round, advance.
“Her experience that she’s gained so far has helped her get this far,” Pope said. “She’s definitely going to have to pick it up even more.
“I think she’s definitely capable of moving on. I think par will be good enough to move on.”
It marks the second straight season that Crescenta Valley has had a golfer advance to the CIF Individual Final. Last season, Katie Park finished tied for 60th place after she carded a 10-over-par 82 at Talega Golf Club in San Clemente.
